Contents

Appearance

At nearly eighty years old, he is frail with a bad hip, causing him to have trouble walking. He has wrinkly, thin skin and trembling hands.[1]

History

Maester Cressen used to be maester of Storm's End. When Lord Steffon Baratheon and his wife died in a shipwreck, he more or less raised the Baratheon children. Stannis was his favourite as he needed Cressen more because he lacked the charm of his brothers. Cressen came to regard Stannis as the son he never had. During the Siege of Storm's End some men of the garrison tried to open the gate. Stannis had wanted to place them on the catapults and send them to the enemy but Cressen advised against it. He pointed out that they did not have much food and that hunger might force them to eat the prisoners.

When Robert gave Dragonstone to Stannis, Maester Cressen followed him to the ancient stronghold. As a Maester is sworn to advise and serve a specific castle, regardless of changes in control of that holding, this is very uncommon.

It is implied that Maester Cressen worked with Walgrave in the past.[3]

Recent Events

A Clash of Kings

After Stannis declares himself king he sends out messengers to get support for his claim. He is not very successful. Only the vassals of Dragonstone support him. The lords of the Stormlands support Stannis' younger brother Renly Baratheon who has claimed the throne as well.

Maester Cressen advises Stannis to ally with the Starks and the Arryns. Stannis says that those crowning Robb Stark are committing treason. Stannis's queen, Lady Selyse, urges Stannis to rely solely on R'hllor and says that according to Melisandre, Renly will die soon. Maester Cressen thinks that Selyse suggested that Stannis have Renly assassinated and is shocked because Stannis seems to listen to this advice. He blames Melisandre for this and plans to kill her.

At dinner he poisons her wine. Melisandre seems to sense this and suggests to Maester Cressen to throw the wine away but Cressen insists that they share the cup. Melisandre drinks half but is unaffected. Maester Cressen drinks the other half and dies.[4]